In New Raiment: Torre Arcobaleno

Anonymous industrial structures whose aesthetics consisted in the fact »that they arose without aesthetic intention« advanced to unusual works of art in the black-and-white photo series by Bernd and Hilla Becher. In contrast, a former water tower in Milan has, thanks to colour, become a new symbol of the contemporary metropolis.

In the course of building works for the new Porta Garibaldi in the early 1960s, a concrete water tower was erected. The beauty of the structure, which once stood out only by its height, was recognized only thirty years later. Like in a fairy tale, the former Cinderella transformed into a true beauty.

The renovation work on the structure, known as the Torre Arcobaleno (Rainbow Tower), was carried out against the background of the World Football Championship that took place in Italy in 1990. 100,000 ceramic tiles in 14 different colours transformed the dilapidated edifice into a symbol of Milan.

Twenty-five years later, just in time for the opening of Expo 2015 – the urgent modernization work was carried out so that the tower could gleam in a new splendour. Like a piece of cloth, the coloured ornament lies over the tower’s curves. The Original Designers 6R5 Network (including Francesco Roggero, Albino Pozzi, Rita Alfano Roggero and Kiyoto Ishimoto) were responsible both for the design of the tower in the 1990s and for the recent execution.

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

Detail Newsletter

We will keep you informed about international projects, news on architectural and design topics, research and current events in our newsletter.

E-MAIL-ADRESS

COUNTRY

I consent to DETAIL Business Information GmbH regularly sending me individualised exciting news and events by e-mail. The processing of my personal data is to be done in line with statutory provisions. I can rescind my consent in respect of DETAIL Business Information GmbH at any time.

You will receive an email to confirm your newsletter subscription. In thanks you will get access to download the PDF „Timber Construction“ at no charge.